Multi-Flame Electric Candles

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of electric candles are described having multiple flame elements, each of which generate a flickering flame effect, and collectively simulate a candle having multiple flames. The candles include a housing that encloses various lighting devices and circuitry that can control one or more aspects of the lighting devices. The enclosure can also house one or more drive mechanisms that help to effect movement of the flame elements (e.g., pivot or wobble) relative to the enclosure.

This application is a continuation in part of PCT/US14/62059, filed Oct.23, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/894,900, filed Oct. 23, 2013. All extrinsic materials identifiedherein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is multi-flame electric candles.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Electric candles have existed for a number of years, but currentproducts and designs still leave room for improvement. For example, someelectric candles project light onto a flame element to create theillusion of a real candle flame. See U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,936. Othershave made efforts to create electric candles that project differentcolors. For example, in U.S. pat. publ. no. 20140211471 to Gaumann, anelectric candle with a single light source is described as usingdifferent colors for that light source. However, these devices fail toappreciate the many advantages gained, and the technical knowledgerequired, by increasing the number of “flames”.

Previous efforts to improve electric candles failed to overcome thechallenges of coordinating the movement of flame elements with theprojection of light in one or more electric candles, and thereby failedto capture the benefits associated therewith.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to thesame extent as if each individual publication or patent application werespecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there is still a need for electric candles having multiple flameelements, where movement or lighting effects for each of the flameelements are coordinated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods ofa multi-flame electric light, preferably styled as an electric candlethat simulates a flickering flame effect of a lighted, traditionalcandle with a wick. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages ofthe inventive subject matter will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with theaccompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent likecomponents.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a multi-flamed electriccandle includes (i) an enclosure, (ii) at least two, and preferablythree or more, flame elements protruding out from the top of theenclosure via separate apertures, (iii) at least two light sources, and(iv) related circuitry to control one or more aspects of the lightsources including, for example, brightness, color, and so forth, or adrive mechanism configured to cause movement of one or more of the flameelements.

The enclosure preferably houses all of the above components andassociated hardware of the electric candle. To generate a flame-likeeffect, the light sources are preferably positioned and oriented withinthe enclosure such that each light source projects light upwardly towardone or more of the flame elements through the apertures or a separateaperture. The circuitry can be used to control the characteristics ofthe light sources, preferably via one or more stored programs, where aprogram defines how and which light sources are to be activated over aspecified time period.

To allow the flame elements to pivot relative to the enclosure, inpreferred embodiments the flame elements are supported within theenclosure such that the flame elements can move with respect to theenclosure. As just one example, each flame element can have a hole in amiddle portion through which a support wire or other mount can beinserted. As another example, the flame element could be supported by acantilevered rod passing through a hole in its middle portion.Preferably, the mount for the flame element does not interfere withlight projected toward the flame elements from the various lightsources. As but another example, the flame element can be supported byan arm extending from an internal housing and which is inserted into aside opening of the flame element.

In some embodiments, each of the flame elements can be substantiallythree-dimensional.

In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to communicate withsensors to detect movement of the flame elements. In those embodiments,when sufficient motion is detected the light sources can be affected.

The inventors additionally contemplate the implementation of additionallight sources. For example, each of the first and second flame elementscan have two or more associated light sources, or in differentembodiments, the first and second flame elements can have differentnumbers of associated light sources (e.g., two for the first flameelement and one for the second flame element, or three for the firstflame element and two for the second flame element).

Some embodiments include multiple light sources to illuminate each ofthe flame elements. For example, in some embodiments, each flame elementhas three or more associated light sources that collectively illuminatethat flame element. Alternatively, one or more of the light sourcescould be used to illuminate two or more flame elements by diverting someof the light to each flame element. Utilizing multiple light sources perflame element can each produce differently colored light (or the samecolored light), which, when projected onto a flame element, overlaps insuch a way as to produce a more convincing flame effect. When a flameelement has multiple associated light sources, those light sources allproject light upward from inside the enclosure through a single apertureand onto the flame element. In still other embodiments, some flameelements have multiple associated light sources while others have onlysingle associated light sources.

In preferred embodiments, lighting effects can be coordinated betweenboth flame elements and light sources. For example, the light projectedto each light source can dim sequentially to create a wave-like effectthat moves around the electric candle. In embodiments having multiplecolored light sources per flame element, different colors can beprojected onto different flame elements in or out of sequence. Thelights can also dim simultaneously, or even change color simultaneously.Any combination of light changing or dimming is contemplated.

In some embodiments, the program is stored to a memory of the circuitry(e.g., a hard drive, flash memory, or some other form of data storage).The program can include a plurality of profiles that each causes thelight sources to project light differently. Depending on the profileimplemented, different signals can be sent to one or all of the lightsources. For example, in one profile, movement of a flame element cancause the associate light source(s) to turn off, while in anotherprofile, movement of the flame element only causes the light source(s)to dim, but not turn off. Profiles can also cause the light source(s) toproject light at different intensities and in different colors accordingto a predetermined pattern, or even according to a randomly generatedsequence.

For example, a third flame element with a corresponding third lightsource can be implemented. The third flame element and third lightsource will function substantially similarly to the first and secondflame elements and light sources, respectively. The enclosure of thoseembodiments having a third flame element also include a third associatedaperture, and the circuitry is designed to manage the third flameelement and its associated light source. In some embodiments, the thirdflame element can also have multiple associated light sources.

In some embodiments, the program stored to the circuitry causes thefirst and second light sources to project light onto the first andsecond flame elements, respectively, according to a time-based sequence.For example, if a candle is used at night, it can produce eitherbrighter or dimmer light. In other embodiments, the program causes thefirst and second light sources to project light onto the first andsecond according to a location-based sequence. For example, if a candleis used in a home, if it is in a bathroom it can project a first lightcolor, but if it is in a dining room, it can project a second lightcolor.

Some embodiments of the candle additionally include a light sensor. Thelight sensor can be used to detect a light sensor coupled to thecircuitry, wherein the circuitry can adjust output from the first andsecond light sources based on data from the light sensor. For example,if a candle is used in a dim room, it can adjust the intensity of thelight (to make it either brighter or dimmer) using information from thelight sensor indicating the room is dim.

Another aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a multi-flameelectric candle similar to the candle described above except thecircuitry coordinates the movement of the flame elements rather than thelight sources.

In some embodiments, the flame elements can have a master-slaveconfiguration where the first flame element is a master element, thesecond and third flame elements are slave flame elements, and thecircuitry primarily coordinates movement of the master flame elementresulting in movement of the slave flame elements. For example, when thecircuitry causes movement in the first flame element (the master flameelement), the program stored to the circuitry can generate correspondingmovements in the second and third flame elements (slave flame element),where the movements are based on the movement in the first flame elementrather than being pre-determined movements stored to the program.

In some embodiments, the program includes multiple profiles that eachcause the first and second flame elements to move differently based onthe profile that is selected. In other embodiments, the circuitrycoordinates projection of light from the first and second light sourceswith movement of the first and second flame elements, respectively. Inother words, when the program stored to the circuitry causes the flameelements to move, the induced movement is accompanied by a variation inprojection of light from the respective light sources. For example, if aflame element is caused to make a dramatic movement, the correspondinglight source (or in some embodiments, light sources) will produce acorresponding change in intensity to make it appear as if a flame isflickering in a breeze.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A-1C show different views of an electric candle having three flameelements all facing the same direction and in a triangle arrangement.

FIGS. 2A-2C show different views of an electric candle having threeflame elements all facing the same direction and in a lineararrangement.

FIG. 3A-3C show different views of an electric candle having three flameelements all facing the same direction and in a linear arrangement,where the top surface of the electric candle slopes.

FIG. 4 shows a flame element, a lens, and three light sources that allshine through the same lens.

FIG. 5A shows a flame element, three lenses, and three light sources,one for each lens.

FIG. 5B shows an electric candle using the components shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a remote control.

FIG. 7A-7C show three views of a GUI for a mobile application.

FIGS. 8-1 to 8-4 show a circuit diagram of the circuitry for anembodiment of an electric candle.

FIGS. 9-1 to 9-4 show a circuit diagram of the circuitry for a differentembodiment of an electric candle.

FIG. 10 shows an electric candle and some of its internal components.

FIGS. 11A-11C shows another embodiment of an electric candle havingthree flame elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should beread to include any suitable combination of computing devices, includingservers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines,controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individuallyor collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise aprocessor configured to execute software instructions stored on atangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., harddrive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The softwareinstructions preferably configure the computing device to provide theroles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below withrespect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments,the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange datausing standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP,HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, knownfinancial transaction protocols, or other electronic informationexchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over apacket-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type ofpacket switched network.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

The device described in this application is an electric lighting devicein the form of a candle. A number of features differentiate this devicefrom devices described in the prior art. Devices of the inventivesubject matter have five main components: (1) an enclosure, (2) multipleflame elements, (3) multiple light sources, (4) a drive mechanism, amotion sensor, or both, (5) a controller.

The enclosure is the shell of the electric candle. It houses all theelectric and mechanical components necessary for the electric candle tofunction properly. The interior of the enclosure can be formed to holdvarious components in place, as needed. The enclosure can bemanufactured by injection molding or by any other method known in theart for the formation of plastic components. It can be formed as twopieces that are later joined, or it can be formed as a single component.

While the enclosure must satisfy functional requirements, it canoptionally be formed to have various aesthetic features. For example,the plastic used to form the enclosure can be colored. Alternatively,the enclosure can be covered in a wax or wax-like material to bettersimulate the feel of a real candle. The wax or wax-like coating can alsobe colored or have multiple colors. In addition, the wax or wax-likematerial can be scented.

The shape of the enclosure can vary, as well. It can take on asubstantially cylindrical shape, or it can be formed into a triangle, asquare, or any other shape. FIGS. 1A-1C show an electric candle 100where the enclosure 102 is shaped as a cylinder, FIGS. 2A-2C show anelectric candle 200 where the enclosure 202 is shaped as an ellipsehaving a flat top, and FIGS. 3A-3C show an electric candle 300 where theenclosure 302 is shaped as an ellipse having a slanted top.

Critically, the top of the enclosure 104 can have multiple apertures106, or holes. The apertures can be circular, or take on any otherappropriate shape. Most importantly, the apertures 106 are sized toallow light to pass outwardly from light sources (shown in FIG. 4)within the enclosure to one or more of the flame elements 108. Theapertures must also be sized for flame elements 108 to protrude from theenclosure. Flame elements 108 are suspended near the apertures so thatthey can move (e.g., rotate or pivot) in a way that mimics real flamemovement. Also note the direction that each element faces. In preferredembodiments, shown in FIG. 11A, each of the flame elements can facetoward the nearest side or wall of the enclosure.

The interior of the enclosure 102 provides space for a drive mechanism(or mechanisms), a motion sensor (or sensors), a PCB having circuitry tocontrol the electric candle 100 and any other necessary components suchas a battery. Finally, the bottom portion of the enclosure can have anaccess panel that can be attached via screw or latching fastener (suchas a buckle-type component).

Various drive mechanisms to cause movement in the flame elements arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the electric candles use one or moreelectromagnetic coils to generate one or more magnetic fields. Thegenerated magnetic field(s) interact with permanent magnets attached tothe bottoms of the flame elements, causing them to move. In otherembodiments, a fan is used to either push air upward and out of theenclosure, or to pull air downward and into the enclosure. Air passingby the flame elements results in movement.

In configurations taking advantage of magnetic effects, there can be onelarge electromagnetic coil, or there can be multiple smaller coils. Thenumber of coils does not need to coincide with the number of flameelements. For example, one configuration could include twoelectromagnetic coils and three flame elements, and by varying theamount of current passing through each coil, the generated magneticfields are caused to overlap to varying degrees. This interaction cancause each of the flame elements to move as if controlled independently.In another example, four electromagnetic coils can be used with threeflame elements. The electromagnetic coils do not need to be placeddirectly underneath the flame elements, and can instead be placed in anypattern or configuration within the enclosure as long as the magneticfields from the electromagnetic coils can interact meaningfully withpermanent magnets attached to the flame elements.

In addition to varying the number of electromagnetic coils, the coilscan vary in size, shape, or number of windings, and additionally thepermanent magnets on the flame elements can vary in size. Varying thesizes of each component can bring about desirable results in terms offlame element movement. For example, larger magnets exhibit strongermagnetic fields, which could reduce the requirements of anelectromagnetic coil needed to create a magnetic field sufficient tointeract with the larger magnet.

In other configurations, fan power is used to cause movement in theflame elements. There can be one or more fans within the enclosurewithout departing from the inventive concepts described in thisapplication. In a configuration having a single fan, the fan would belarger bring about a higher mass flow rate of air through the enclosure.The interaction of moving air with the flame elements is what causesmovement to simulate a candle flame. In a configuration having multiplefans, there could be one fan per flame element, with the fans situatedbelow the flame elements facing upward, or with the fans along theoutside of the enclosure facing inward toward the bottom of the flameelements. In these configurations, each individual fan causes aparticular flame element to move, but it is additionally contemplatedthat the fans can interact with other flame elements.

In some versions of the electric candle, a drive mechanism situatedbelow the flame elements within the enclosure causes the flame elementsto move. The drive mechanism can include one or more electromagneticcoils that generate a magnetic field when current passes through them.The magnets in the lower portion of the flame elements interact with thegenerated magnetic field causing all of the flame elements to move.Movement of the flame elements mimics the flickering of candle flames.

An example flame element 400 for electric candles of the inventivesubject matter is shown in FIG. 4. The flame element 400 has four mainportions: a top portion 414, a mounting portion 412, a middle portion408, and a lower portion 410.

The top portion 414 is generally shaped to mimic the look of a flame. Itcan be substantially flat, or it can take on a more three-dimensionalshape. FIG. 4 shows a top portion 414 with a substantially flatconfiguration. In configurations where the top portion 414 is morethree-dimensional, it can have different shaped cross sections (e.g.,triangular, circular, elliptical, rectangular).

The mounting portion 412 includes a through hole that runs approximatelythe same direction as the width of the top portion 414. In this way,light is able to reach the top portion 414 without interference from asupport wire 406. The support wire suspends the flame element within anaperture of an enclosure so that the flame element 400 protrudes outwardfrom the top of the enclosure (as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1A-1C).When mounted, the top portion 414 of the flame element 400 looks like acandle flame coming from the top of a candle.

The middle portion 408 is long and slender, though other configurationcan be implemented without departing from the inventive subject matter.It provides distance between the lower portion 410 and the top portion414 such that, at rest, the flame element remains upright. To achievethis, it is important that the center of mass for the flame element 400is located slightly below the mounting portion 412. Having the center ofmass only slightly below the mounting portion 412 makes the flameelement 400 easily movable. The farther the center of mass is from themounting portion 412, the more difficult it will be to cause the flameelement to move. In some electric candles, it is desirable to have theflame element 400 easily moved, while in others it is more desirable tomake the flame element 400 difficult to move.

Finally, the lower portion 410 acts as a counter weight to the topportion 414. It can additionally include a magnet to facilitate movementof the flame element 400 by a drive mechanism [ref]. The magnet can havedifferent sizes and different strengths depending on what is requiredfor a particular implementation of the inventive subject matter.

As mentioned above, electric candles of the inventive subject matterinclude multiple flame elements (shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, and5B). The flame elements need not all be identical. They can be sized andshaped differently from one another, and they can be orienteddifferently from one another as well. Electric candles can include 1, 2,3, or more flame elements.

To create a convincing illusion of real candle flames, light sourcesmust illuminate the flame elements. FIG. 4 shows three light sources 402that shine light upward toward flame element 400. A lens 404 liesbetween the light sources 402, and the lens 404 focuses light from thelight sources 402 onto the top portion 414 of the flame element 400.Different focal lengths can produce different effects. For example, thelens 404 can cause light from the light sources 402 to focus directlyonto the upper portion 414, or the lens 404 can cause light from thelight sources 402 to reach the upper portion 414 while it is still outof focus (e.g., the focal length of the lens 404 is either longer orshorter than the distance from the lens 404 to the upper portion 414).

In FIG. 4, three light sources 402 each shine through a single lens 404.Light sources 402 can be LEDs (shown in FIG. 4), but in other versionsof the electric candle the light sources 402 can be fiber optic cables,incandescent bulbs, glowing components, or any other light source nowknown in the art. A configuration using a single lens 404 is only one ofmany possible configurations that do not depart from the inventivesubject matter described in this application. For example, in FIG. 5A,each light source 502, 504, and 506 has its own associated lens 508,510, and 512, respectively. Each light source 502, 504, and 506 can thenbe positioned around the flame element 514 so that a different portionof the flame element 514 is lit by each light source 502, 504, and 506.In another configuration, the light sources can be in a stackedconfiguration, rather than the lateral configuration shown in FIG. 4 orthe circular configuration of FIG. 5A. Light sources in a stackedconfiguration can each have separate lenses, or they can have a singlelens.

Light sources used in the electric candle can each have differentcolors. Preferably, in a configuration having three light sources, onewould be orange, one would be blue, and another would be yellow. Thesecolors are preferable because they help to produce a more convincingflame effect when projected onto a flame element together.

Light projected from the light sources 402 can reach the upper portion414 in a variety of ways to better mimic a real candle flame. Forexample, each light source 402 could be oriented slightly differently sothat its light reaches a different region of the upper portion 414. Inthis way, a yellow light could reach the top area of the upper portion414, an orange light could reach the middle area of the upper portion414, and a blue light could reach the lower area of the upper portion414. Projecting the different colors in this way makes the upper portion414 appear more like a real candle flame. Alternatively, the light fromeach of the light sources 402 can be projected to different regions ofthe upper portion, where each region overlaps with the others.

In different versions, each flame element has an associated coil belowit in the enclosure. Each coil interacts with only the flame elementabove it, allowing for more nuanced control of the movement of thedifferent flame elements. When electricity is passed through a coil, itcreates a magnetic field, which interacts with the magnet in the lowerportion of the flame element above the coil.

Other mechanisms can be implemented to cause movement in the flameelements. For example, a fan can be placed within the enclosure so thatit either pushes or pulls air past the flame elements, causing them tomove. Regardless of the method of causing the flame elements to move,the most preferred versions of the electric candle having control overflame element movement include independent movement control for eachflame element.

In other version of the electric candle, movement control is replacedwith movement detection. Movement sensing can be used to implementdifferent lighting effects. For example, if the flame elements arecaused to move by a breeze, the sensors will detect such movement andthe program will cause the light sources to turn off or change someother characteristic of the light source. In preferred embodiments,small perturbations in the flame elements will cause the light sourcesto flicker, while more dramatic movements in the flame elements willcause the light sources to turn off, effectively simulating a realcandle.

For example, Hall Effect sensors can be placed to detect movement of oneor more of the flame elements, and information related to that movementcan be interpreted by a program stored to the circuitry. Using thatinformation, a program, via the circuitry, can cause the light sourcesto vary in intensity or color, for example, which creates a moreconvincing illusion of a real flame. In other embodiments, differentmotion sensors can be implemented. For example, a light-based motionsensor such as an infrared sensor can be implemented. It is preferablefor the sensor to detect varying degrees of movement, rather than just abinary indication of movement.

One type of movement sensor contemplated is a magnetic sensor, such as aHall Effect sensor. Magnetic sensors produce a voltage proportional tothe applied magnetic field and also sense polarity. To operate with HallEffect sensors, the flame elements can be made the same as in versionsof the electric candle having movement control. The only differencewould be the mechanism below the flame elements would be the sensorsinstead of electromagnetic coils. Other sensor types can also be used.For example, an optical sensor can be used to detect whether the flameelement has moved.

Magnetic sensors can detect movement of a magnet relative to the sensor.So, when the magnet at the bottom of a flame element moves relative tothe sensor, the sensor can detect the degree of movement (e.g., it candetect the distance of the magnet from the sensor, and someconfigurations can event detect which direction the magnet moved).

In these versions of the electric candle, internal components do notcause the flame elements to move at all, instead the flame elements relyon external forces to cause movement—similar to real candles.

Among other sensors that can be included with electric candles describedin this application are light sensors. A light sensor can sense lightwithin the visual spectrum. In different versions of the electriccandle, an infrared sensor can alternatively be included. The purpose ofsensors that detect electromagnetic waves is to allow for the candlesto, for example, project dimmer light in areas with low light, or viceversa. These sensors can enable the candles to be turned on or off witha wave, or with another type or sequence of gestures.

Tying together all the hardware components discussed above is electroniccircuitry storing software to operate the electric candles. Thecircuitry can be configured to interact with any version of the electriccandle discussed above (e.g., versions having movement sensors, versionshaving multiple LEDs per light, versions having electromagnetic coils,etc.). Some examples of the circuitry used with electric candlescontemplated in this application are shown in FIGS. 8-1 through 8-4 andFIGS. 9-1 through 9-4.

The circuitry can be implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB), andeach version of the electric candle will have a corresponding circuitry.All versions of the circuitry will include some form of memory to storerudimentary software (this application will refer to the software as a“program”) to operate its associated electric candle.

Programs stored to the circuitry must be configured to interact with thespecific hardware configuration of the electric candle it is associatedwith. For example, in an electric candle having one light source perflame element, where the flame elements are caused to move byelectromagnetic coils, the program will be configured to operate eachcomponent of the electric candle.

The types of programs can be broken down into three differentcategories: (1) programs that primarily coordinate the light sources,(2) programs that primarily coordinate movement of the flame elements,and (3) programs that coordinate the light sources with movement of theflame elements.

In versions of the program that primarily coordinate the light sources,the flame elements are caused to move by external forces. Electriccandles like these are described above to include movement sensors. Theprogram is accordingly capable of receiving feedback from the motionsensors via the circuitry and then using that information to coordinateprojection of light from the light sources. For example, if a flameelement is caused to move only slightly, the program could cause thecorresponding light source to briefly dim the light projected to thatflame element. This would create an effect of a candle flame brieflydimming when a breeze passes by.

In the same way, this dimming effect can be more exaggerated based onthe degree of movement of a flame element. The more a flame elementmoves (e.g., by a breeze, or by someone blowing on the candle), thedimmer the program will make the light from a corresponding lightsource. In another example, if a movement of a flame element is strongenough, the corresponding light source will completely turn off, similarto a real candle when it encounters a sufficiently strong breeze.

The program can also cause the light sources associated with each flameelement to change or flicker based on a random or pseudo-randomwaveform, regardless of whether an external force causes the flameelements to move. Alternatively, a waveform to cause movement can beprocedurally generated.

In versions of the electric candle where interaction with a magneticfield from a single electromagnetic coil causes the flame elements tomove, the program primarily coordinates movement of the flame elementsby controlling current flow to the electromagnetic coils. By controllingthe flow of current through a coil, the program controls movement of theflame elements above that coil. The program can provide regular pulsesaccording to a waveform, or it can produce random, or evenpseudo-random, pulses. In some versions, the program activates the coilbased on a procedurally generated waveform.

In other versions where each flame element has its own correspondingelectromagnetic coil, the program can independently control theprovision of current to the coils. In this way, movement of the flameelements can be coordinated. One possible coordination would be toprovide a waveform to a first coil, and then have the same waveformapplied to each successive coil based on a time delay. Another possiblecoordination would be to include master and slave flame elements. Oneflame element would serve as a master, and each other flame element inthe electric candle would be considered a slave element. The programcould include a waveform, pattern, or sequence for the master flameelement, and then each slave element would be caused to move based onthe movement of the master flame element.

The same master and slave configuration can apply equally to electriccandles having motion sensors, where the program primarily coordinatesoperation of the light sources. If a master flame element is detected tomove, but the slave flame elements do not detect movement, then theprogram can, for example, change the intensity of the light projected tothe master flame element as well as the light projected to the slaveflame element(s).

In any configuration having a master and slave flame element, the masterflame element can be dynamically assigned. For example, if movement isdetected in only one flame element, as in the scenario described in theparagraph above, the master flame element would be designated aswhichever flame element is detected to be the sole moving flame element.

In versions of the electric candle having multiple light sources perflame element, where each light source is a different color, the programcan vary the intensity of each light individually. For example, when areal candle flame encounters a slight breeze, the flame is affected(e.g., it becomes brighter, it has more blue, more yellow, more orange,or flickers more intensely). The program can interpret movement from amovement sensor associated with a flame element and can cause one or allof the light sources to project more or less intensely to give theillusion of a color change, an intensity change, or to cause aflickering effect.

Finally, some programs can coordinate both the movement of the flameelements and operation of the light sources. For example, a programcould simultaneously cause a movement in the flame element by allowingcurrent to pass through an associated coil, while at the same timecausing the associated light source(s) to vary in intensity. This couldresult in a flicker, a dimming, a change in color, or any other effectresulting from a variation in color or intensity of light from the lightsource(s). A program could control however many flame elements andassociated light sources are included in a particular electric candle(e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more).

A program, regardless of the version of the electric candle it isassociated with, can include different profiles. Each profile canessentially include distinct operating instructions for the electriccandle. For example, one profile could be for restaurants, one could befor a bedroom, one could be for the living room, one could be for a homedining room, etc. A profile for restaurants might cause the lightsources to project dimmer light to enhance a dining experience, while aprofile for a home dining room could cause the light sources to projectbrighter light since a home dining room might rely more heavily on lightfrom the electric candle than a restaurant would. A bedroom profilecould have increased movement in the flame elements or increasedflickering of the lights.

To give a user control over the electric candles described in thisapplication, a remote control can be used. FIG. 6 shows one possibleremote control 600. It includes a button to set the candle 602, a buttonto enter the candle setting 604, and a plurality of buttons to select aprofile 606.

The remote control 600 can be used to control many aspects of electriccandles of the inventive subject matter. Using a remote control 600, auser can control one or many electric candles, either individually or asa group. A remote control 600 can be used to select different programsor user profiles. A remote control can also enable a user to provide anew program or to create a new user profile for a candle or a set ofcandles, where the program is created using the remote, or transmittedto a candle or candles via the remote. More specifically, a user cancause a candle to express different colors, to express different colorpatterns and sequences, to express different brightnesses, to expressdifferent dimming patterns and sequences, to express different patternsand sequences of movement in the flame elements, and so forth.Ultimately, the remote control 600 can be configured to provide controlover any customizable aspect of an associated electric candle, or a setof associated electric candles.

Remote controls 600 can communicate with the electric candles in any waycurrently known in the art. For example, a remote control 600 cancommunicate with electric candles via wifi by connecting to the samelocal area network. A remote control 600 can alternatively communicatewith candles via Bluetooth, NFC, infrared, and so forth.

To enable a remote control to operate with an electric candle describedin this application, the electric candle's circuitry must additionallyinclude a mode of receiving information from the remote, such as an IRsensor, or a wireless receiver (or transceiver). For an application on acomputing device to operate with electric candles described in thisapplication, the circuitry must include a form of wireless communication(e.g., a Bluetooth connection, a wifi connection, an NFC connection, orany other form of wireless connection now known in the art).

Alternatively, a user could install an application to a computingdevice, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. The application allows a computingdevice 700, such as a cell phone, a tablet, or a computer, to select andcontrol electric candles. FIG. 7A shows a GUI allowing a user to selectwhich candles to control; FIG. 7B shows a GUI allowing a user to selecta “preset” (e.g., a profile); and FIG. 7C shows a GUI allowing a user toset a custom speed, and a custom color. An application can be configuredto allow additional customization, such as setting a timer foroperating, queuing profiles to operate in sequence based on blocks oftime.

The application shown in FIGS. 7A-7C can perform all of the functionsdescribed above with respect to the remote control in FIG. 6. Inaddition, a software application can provide more robust control forsets of candles. A GUI can enable a user to put candles into differentgroups, so that each group can be controlled together. For example, adining room candle group may be brighter and flicker less than abathroom candle group.

FIG. 10 shows a fully assembled electric candle 1000 having three flameelements 1002. Each flame element 1002 is caused to move by anelectromagnetic coil 1006 as described above. This particular figureshows the lenses 1004 which focus the light from each light source ontothe flame elements 1002. The enclosure 1010 provides interior space tohouse the various components discussed in detail above, but alsoincluding batteries and all other components required to operate theelectric candle described in this application.

FIGS. 11A-11C shows an electric candle 1100 having three distinct flameelements 1108, each of which faces toward the nearest side or wall ofthe enclosure 1104. This advantageously allows the candle 1100 toproduce the ideal flickering flame effect no matter which portion of theenclosure is closest to a viewer. In other embodiments, one or more ofthe flame elements can be disposed on a gimbal or other rotating supportsuch that the face of the flame element can be reoriented over time,rather than just wobble or pivot as allowed in the standard mountingconfiguration described above.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are tobe understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth inthe written description and attached claims are approximations that canvary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by aparticular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parametersshould be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspracticable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of theinvention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

1. A multi-flame electric candle comprising: an enclosure having firstand second apertures on a top surface; first and second flame elementsprotruding through the first and second apertures; first and secondlight sources positioned and oriented within the enclosure to projectlight onto the first and second flame elements through the first andsecond apertures, respectively; circuitry to coordinate light projectionfrom the first and second light sources, wherein the circuitry causesthe first and second light sources to project light according to aprogram stored to the circuitry; and wherein the circuitry comprises acircuit to sense a movement in each of the first and second flameelements. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The multi-flame electric candle of claim 1,wherein the circuit to sense movement is a Hall effect sensor.
 5. Themulti-flame electric candle of claim 1, wherein the program causes thefirst and second light sources to project light at varying intensitiesbased on the sensed movement in the first and second flame elements,respectively.
 6. The multi-flame electric candle of claim 1, wherein theprogram causes the first light source to turn off upon sensing asufficient movement of the first flame element.
 7. (canceled)
 8. Themulti-flame electric candle of claim 7 wherein the third light sourceprojects light of a different color than the first light source onto thefirst flame element, and fourth light source projects light of adifferent color than the second light source onto the second flameelement.
 9. The multi-flame electric candle of claim 7, furthercomprising fifth and sixth light sources positioned and oriented withinthe enclosure to project light onto the first and second flame elementsthrough the first and second apertures, respectively.
 10. Themulti-flame electric candle of claim 9, wherein the fifth light sourceprojects light of a different color than the first and third lightsources onto the first flame element, and sixth light source projectslight of a different color than the second and fourth light sources ontothe second flame element.
 11. The multi-flame electric candle of claim9, further comprising fifth and sixth light sources positioned andoriented within the enclosure to project light onto the first and secondflame elements through the first and second apertures, respectively,wherein the first, third, and fifth light sources are arranged aroundthe first flame element and the second, fourth, and sixth light sourcesare arranged around the second flame element. 12-15. (canceled)
 16. Amulti-flame electric candle comprising: an enclosure having first andsecond apertures on a top surface; first and second flame elementsprotruding through the first and second apertures; first and secondlight sources positioned and oriented within the enclosure to projectlight onto the first and second flame elements through the first andsecond apertures, respectively; and circuitry to coordinate movement ofthe first and second flame elements, wherein the circuitry causes thefirst and second flame elements to move according to a program stored tothe circuitry.
 17. The multi-flame electric candle of claim 16, whereinthe first flame element is a master element, the second and third flameelements are slave flame elements, and the circuitry primarilycoordinates movement of the master flame element resulting in movementof the slave flame elements.
 18. The multi-flame electric candle ofclaim 1, wherein the program comprises a plurality of profiles that eachcause the first and second flame elements to move differently accordingto a selected profile.
 19. The multi-flame electric candle of claim 1,wherein the circuitry is further configured to coordinate projection oflight from the first and second light sources with movement of the firstand second flame elements, respectively.
 20. A multi-flame electriccandle comprising: an enclosure having first and second apertures on atop surface; first and second flame elements protruding through thefirst and second apertures; first and second light sources positionedand oriented within the enclosure to project light onto the first andsecond flame elements through the first and second apertures,respectively; and circuitry to coordinate movement of the first andsecond flame elements with the projection of light from the first andsecond light sources, respectively, according to a program stored to thecircuitry.